Mercey, a female pit bull, recovers from stab wounds at Edmonton Veterinarian’s Emergency Clinic in Edmonton, Alta., on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013. Edmonton Police Service officers responded to a reported break and enter and stabbing at a residence near 117 Avenue and 80 Street and found the dog had been stabbed by assailants. Ian Kucerak/Edmonton Sun

An anonymous dog lover picked up the medical bill for a heroic pit bull Thursday.

Mercey, the four-year-old dog who sustained serious stab wounds defending her female owner from four male attackers Tuesday, was treated at the Edmonton Emergency Veterinarian's Clinic, 11104 102 Ave. where she racked up a substantial medical bill.

After city cops chipped in close to $400 and her owner paid a similar amount, staff at the veterinary clinic came together to make a similar contribution.

And after some small donations from members of the public, one man walked in and dropped $1,000 cash on the counter.

"He just said, 'I want to donate this anonymously to Mercey's care.' And that really was enough to cover the rest of the bill," said Brent Jackson, the emergency veterinarian caring for Mercey.

The total bill for surgery and medical management came in over $2,000.

"It's phenomenal. We've had some phone calls from people wanting to donate money and we've said, 'We're fine now, it's been paid for,'" Jackson said. "The response from the public has been wonderful."

Mercey is making a quick recovery from her two stab wounds and was ready to return home Thursday. Jackson said the dog is off her IV fluids and pain medication and is already getting up and moving around on her own, though she'll have to make a few returns for dressing changes and to get her stitches removed.

"She's recouping well and her spirits are good," Jackson said, adding Mercey is a "very well behaved dog."

Four males broke into the 30-year-old woman's apartment suite near 80 Street and 117 Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. An argument ensued and one man attacked the resident with a machete. Mercey jumped in to protect her and suffered two life-threatening wounds.

The woman sustained minor injuries including bruises, bumps and a cut from the machete.

Dylan Ian Machiskinic, 19, Clinton Neil Wabasca, 32, Charlie Jean Chalifoux, 18, and a 15-year-old male youth have been charged with break and enter to commit assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, and cruelty to an animal.

An anonymous dog lover picked up the medical bill for a heroic pit bull Thursday.

Mercey, the four-year-old dog who sustained serious stab wounds defending her female owner from four male attackers Tuesday, was treated at the Edmonton Emergency Veterinarian's Clinic, 11104 102 Ave. where she racked up a substantial medical bill.

After city cops chipped in close to $400 and her owner paid a similar amount, staff at the veterinary clinic came together to make a similar contribution.

And after some small donations from members of the public, one man walked in and dropped $1,000 cash on the counter.

"He just said, 'I want to donate this anonymously to Mercey's care.' And that really was enough to cover the rest of the bill," said Brent Jackson, the emergency veterinarian caring for Mercey.

The total bill for surgery and medical management came in over $2,000.